Well, let me tell you about my recent mission trip to Mexico in my new 04 F150 SuperCrew Lariat 4x4.

First of all, the day we got ready to leave from Mobile, Alabama I found out that it was necessary for me to tow a trailer full of equipment because the trailer was too heavy for the S10 (6 cylinder) that was to tow it. I wasn't real excited having to pull the 5 x 16 enclosed trailer loaded with luggage and equipment. But, in light of the cause, I figure my F150 and I would just have to sacrifice.

The first day, we drove 8 hours from Mobile, AL to Houston, TX. The temp was in the high 80s or low 90s and the truck did excellent. I never had any problems with temp of the vehicle. It pulled the trailer wonderfully and often I found myself forgetting it was back there. I had no problems even at 70-80 though I tried to stay around 70 but caught myself getting higher at times. Most of the time I drove with the OD turned off but at times I would switch it back on when on flat interstate.

The following day we drove to Del Rio, TX and then on into Acuna, Mexico. The temperature was much hotter and everyone was burning up the entire week in Mexico. I observed temperatures upwards of 116 and some reported that it was even hotter than that. My truck never seemed to know it. Even the air conditioner performed excellent. My work involved me parking the truck in the morning and returning to it at 3:00 PM where it had been left locked all day. Each afternoon, the AC performed just like it does back home. Within a few minutes, it was cooled down in the cab. I never once even thought the AC was lagging in any way.

Everyday in Mexico I had to travel without the trailer, about 10 miles on poor quality paved roads and then about 5 miles on very very ruff rock roads. The roads often had large pitts, holes and bumps that would be impossible for some vehicles. My wife drives a Range Rover and my previous vehicle was a Land Rover Discovery. I am telling you the F150 handled the roads better than either of these vehicles would have. It seemed as if the truck knew it was in off road conditions and it went from the luxury ride to a tough truck mode. I drove slowly on the off road conditions and the truck didn't jar us or ever feel uncomfortable. And, it did not rattle and does not today.

On the return trip, we encountered heavy rain about half of the time. Once again, the truck pulled the trailer with no problem and handled the wet roads perfect.

Ford will definately get a sale or two from my trip. There were 78 people on the trip and most all of the men were amazed at my truck. They marveled over the interior, features and the performance in rough conditions. By the end of the week, everytime the group went somewhere, my truck was the first place everyone wanted to ride.

 

One other thing about the Mexico. I took every tool and emergency thing I could imagine needing. I took everything from "fix-a-flat" to a tow strap. I never had a flat but others did. Before the week was out I had to pull a Chevy van that broke down and used several other items during the week.

As soon as I returned, I had the oil, fuel and air filters all changed. I wasn't going to take any chances.

 

Sounds like you had a very productive trip. I think traveling in a large group would be fun and safe. We had a mission attacked by bandits, it was a bad scene, but all survived. I wan't with them, they needed more security on site with them. They are safe and back in the States now.

Did you notice a difference in performance with the Mexican gas?

I dont think the S10 would have made it either, even with its 4.3 L, just not enough left over for those tough miles.

 

Preacher>> if you did put Mexican gas, I HIGHLY recommend you change the fuel filter, their "highest quality" is probably worse than our low quality gas here in the States...

I'm telling you from experience, several years ago my 1991 Bronco didnt take it that well, I even had to replace the fuel pump...

 

JLMoreno911,

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried my best to get through the week without purchasing gas in Mexico. I finally had to put $20 worth before leaving. I made them pump some in a cup before putting it in the truck. It looked clean and ok. As soon as I got back, I had the fuel filter changed just in case. They said it didn't look bad but I said replace it.

Thanks for info.

 

So did the $20 go through the old filter or the new one?